Getting Started with Mix By Ear

Getting quality feedback on your mixes has never been easier. In this guide, we’ll walk you through creating your first Mix By Ear project and collecting actionable feedback from listeners.

Why Blind Testing Matters

When someone knows which mix is “the expensive studio version” or “the one you spent 40 hours on,” they’re likely to prefer it regardless of how it actually sounds. This is called confirmation bias, and it’s the enemy of honest feedback.

Mix By Ear solves this by presenting your mixes with neutral labels like “Mix A” and “Mix B.” Listeners judge purely on sound, not expectations.

Creating Your Account

To create and manage projects, you’ll need a Mix By Ear account:

1. Click “Sign In” in the top navigation
2. Create your account with your email and a secure password
3. Verify your email if required

Your account keeps all your projects organized and lets you access them from any device.

Creating Your First Project

Once signed in:

1. Click “Create Project” from your dashboard
2. Name your project something descriptive (e.g., “Summer Single - Final Mix Options”)
3. Add a description with any context listeners might need
4. Upload your mixes - we support WAV, MP3, FLAC, M4A, AAC, and more

You’ll receive a shareable listener link and a private dashboard link to view results.

Tips for Better Comparisons

Keep Files Similar Length

If one mix is significantly longer, listeners might prefer it simply because there’s “more music.” Try to keep your comparison files the same length.

Enable Loudness Normalization

Louder often sounds “better” even when it isn’t. Our LUFS normalization ensures all mixes play at the same perceived loudness, so quality wins over volume.

Provide Clear Instructions

In your project description, tell listeners what to focus on. Are you comparing vocal levels? Low end? Overall polish? Specific guidance leads to more useful feedback.

Understanding Your Results

Once listeners submit their feedback, you’ll see:

• Rankings - Which mix was preferred overall
• Comments - Timestamped notes at specific moments
• Analytics - Which sections got the most attention

Share Strategically

Different listeners offer different perspectives:

• Fellow producers catch technical issues
• Musicians focus on performance and feel
• Non-musicians represent your actual audience
• Clients tell you what they’re looking for

Mix up your listener pool for the most comprehensive feedback.

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Ready to start? Sign in and create your first project to experience the difference blind testing makes.